Ammunition arrangement

ABSTRACT

An ammunition device having two or more projectiles ( 2 ) arranged one after the other. Each projectile has allocated to it a propellant charge ( 5 ) substantially surrounding the projectile arranged for individual activation with an ignition ring and an ignition system ( 12, 13 ). The projectiles and their propellant charges are arranged one after the other in an enclosing unit ( 1 ), and the projectiles are so arranged as to leave the enclosing unit one at a time in its longitudinal direction at the time of the individual activations of the propellant charges ( 5 ). Shorter ammunition devices and opportunities for rapid firing sequences of the projectiles are achieved with the invention.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an ammunition device having two or moreprojectiles and individual propellant charges associated therewith, forexample charges of gunpowder, the respective projectile having allocatedto it a propellant charge substantially surrounding the projectileprovided with means for individual initiation, the projectiles and theirsurrounding propellant charges being arranged one after the other in anenclosing unit, and the projectiles at the time of the individualinitiations of the propellant charges being so arranged as to exit fromthe enclosing unit in its longitudinal direction.

Presentation of the Problem and Previously Disclosed Method

The invention is intended to be used with firearms (e.g. canons)equipped with a firing tube, grenade shell launchers and otherarrangements of weapons where rapid firing must be capable of beingprovided.

Generally previously disclosed is the arrangement, for example, ofcanons for rapid firing. Projectiles in the form of shells, bombs,grape-shot and other types of shot are normally arranged with theirassociated propellant charges or propellant loads to the rear, and thefirearms and the firings are arranged in this case by means ofdischarging of the projectiles in a serial sequence, where therespective weapon mechanism is actuated and closed for firing a firstprojectile and is then activated and closed again for firing thesubsequent projectile, and so on. The introduction of the respectiveprojectile into the firing tube bore and firing of the variousprojectiles with interjacent actuations of the weapon mechanism requirethe expenditure of a certain time and restrict the rate of firing. Theneed exists to be able to speed up the firing, and the object of thepresent invention is, among other things, to propose a solution to thisproblem.

In conjunction with the storage and handling of ammunition in firearmsof the aforementioned kind, there is a desire to be able to keep downthe combined lengths of the respective projectiles and the associatedpropellant charge/propellant load. The arrangement must also be suchthat ammunition for supersonic velocities (e.g. mach 3-5) must becapable of being available. Conventional magazines and magazineconstructions must also be capable of being eliminated by the ability ofthe ammunition unit itself to operate with a magazine function, forexample a magazine function for one-off use. The ammunition device mustin addition be readily capable of being incorporated with an existingfiring tube and of being embodied to permit one-off use of the partsthat must be separated in conjunction with the respective discharge. Theinvention also solves this problem.

The times between the firings of the projectiles in firing tube weaponsmust be capable of being reduced to very short times, for example totimes of ca. 0.02 second. Ammunition calibres of 9-60 mm, and preferably20, 30, 40 mm grenade shells, must be capable of being utilized in thearrangement. These new trains of thought must also be capable of beingintegrated into metal storm technologies, where the ammunition devicetogether with other ammunition technologies is arranged in arrays formultiple projectiles according to the invention and with high firingrates involving the firing of, for example, 45,000 rounds/minute fromthe respective firing tube or firearm. The new ammunition unit must alsobe capable of being used in conjunction with grenade shell launchersthat are easy to transport to and to deploy at the point of firing.Terrain analysis and target acquisition arrangements of a previouslydisclosed kind must be capable of selecting suitable firing tubes, bothwith regard to the number of firing tubes fired and the type ofammunition contained in the respective firing tube to achieve themaximum effect of the coverage and sequences in conjunction with firingsof multiple projectiles. 9 mm ammunition can be used, for example, inthe case of firing of this kind. The present invention also offers asolution to this problem. From an overall point of view, the presentinventions also endeavour to make available a financially advantageoushandling and firing system where the parts involved can be embodied forone-off use, in spite of the aforementioned increased firing rates.

Purpose of the Invention and Distinctive Features

The essential characteristic of an ammunition device according to theinvention is that the enclosing unit comprises a plurality oflongitudinal parts so arranged as to be capable of assembly one with theother to produce a longer weapon.

According to further characteristics of an ammunition device accordingto the invention, it is required:

that the enclosing unit is so arranged as to be applicable to anexisting weapon firing tube;

that the enclosing unit together with other enclosing units is soarranged as to be included in a weapon comprising a multi-firing tubearrangement;

that the respective projectile in its position in the enclosing unit hasa bottom part on the rear part of the projectile facing towards a firstspace, preferably executed as a gap, between the bottom part and a frontsurface belonging to or allocated to either the subsequent projectile orthe enclosing unit, where the latter case applies to the rearmostprojectile;

that the first space includes means, on initiating the propellant chargeof the projectile, for giving the generated propellant gases access tothe first space and thereby causing the projectile to be driven from theenclosing unit;

that access to the first space by the generated gases is so arranged asto take place via casing openings covered by one or more bursting discsso arranged as to give way at a predetermined gas pressure value;

that the ignition zone of the propellant charge is arranged in a secondspace/casing space radially outside the first space;

that the respective propellant charge is arranged in a casing, whichcasing is ring-shaped in its cross section and is preferably fluted onparts of its inner surface, which casing is situated outside theprojectile and is open rearwards towards the first space;

that the casing is executed as an inner tube in relation to theenclosing unit, i.e. comprising a second space/casing space, and that athird, smaller space or recess which exhibits inward-facing casingopenings for the gases generated by the propellant charges is arrangednext to the first space;

that the second space/casing space is divided in its longitudinal extentinto casing sections each comprising a casing space for its ownpropellant charge and means for the individual initiation of thesepropellant charges;

that that the casing provides a guide for the projectile as it ispropelled from the enclosing unit;

that the front space belonging to the subsequent projectile constitutesthe front surface of a propellant reflector part that is provided withsealing means against an inner surface inside the enclosing unit ;

that the respective projectile is so arranged as to leave the enclosingunit before firing of the subsequent projectile takes place;

that the subsequent projectile is so arranged as to be capable of beingactuated for its propulsion from the enclosing unit before the precedingprojectile has left the aforementioned enclosing unit;

that it is so arranged as to be capable of being fired by means of alarge-bore firearm, for example a firing tube weapon with a bore of20-40;

that the projectiles and the propellant charges are arranged for use ina firing tube weapon without a magazine;

that the projectiles are held loosely together in the enclosing unitwith holding means which preferably comprise a bayonet mounting or ascrew-in mounting;

that each of the casings enclosing the projectiles comprises casingsections mutually aligned parallel one with the other that are soarranged as to be capable of individual activation;

that the unit enclosing the projectiles and the propellant charges isarranged together with a plurality of further enclosing units arrangedone alongside the other;

that the enclosing unit is so arranged as to be capable of alignmentwith the firing tube of a firing tube weapon;

that the enclosing unit is arranged in a carrier that is transported oradvanced in relation to the intended target;

that each longitudinal part comprises a mechanical attachment means,preferably a bayonet mounting or a screw-in mounting, in order to assurethe aforementioned mountability.

The enclosing unit can be arranged on a weapon firing tube in a weapon,for example a canon. The enclosing unit can be included together withother enclosing units in a weapon magazine, in which the enclosing unitalone or together with one or a plurality of further enclosing units isor are so arranged as to be capable of introduction into the firing tubeof the weapon. Each projectile in its position in the enclosing unit hasits rear end facing towards a first space between the rear end and afront part of the subsequent projectile or the rear part of theenclosing unit. The enclosing unit is arranged with a specific spatialarrangement. The propellant charge is preferably applied in a casingarranged between the outer surfaces of the projectiles and the internalsurface of the enclosing unit. The casing is provided with recesses topermit the passage of the expansion gases that are generated by therespective initiations of the propellant charges. The aforementionedcasing comprises a second space, also referred to below as the casingspace between inner and outer parts of the wall, which extends in thelongitudinal direction of the casing. Electronic ignition devices arearranged on the aforementioned two spaces for the aforementionedexpanded propellant gases and are capable of activation in series, whichcan take place in a previously disclosed manner. The differentprojectiles in one embodiment can be mechanically attached one to theother in an initial position, in which case steps are taken to ensurethat the necessary acceleration section is available at the front in theenclosing unit. The respective mechanical connections between themutually arranged projectile parts are detachable in conjunction withthe separation of the respective projectile from the remaining partswhich form the unit enclosing the projectile parts. The projectiles canbe arranged with separating propellant reflector parts or dividing partsbetween the different projectiles. The aforementioned casing and/or theenclosing unit can comprise longitudinal sections which are separated orprepared for separation at the time of exiting from the firearm. Furtherembodiments of the idea of invention can be appreciated from thefollowing dependent claims.

On the basis of what is proposed above, a new firearm arrangement can beprovided for attacking different types of combat targets. Each pairedcombination of a projectile and a propellant charge/propellant load canbe connected to the following paired combination of a projectile and apropellant charge/propellant load with the aforementioned mechanicalattachment arrangement, which in this case can consist of a bayonetand/or screw-in arrangement. The invention thus involves the assembly ofa number of separate modules comprising a projectile and a propellantcharge/propellant load, without the need for an external, separatefiring tube, where the propellant charges are preferably arranged onlyexternally and enclosing, that is to say not arranged between, theprojectiles. The advantage gained by this means is that a shorter weaponis obtained in relative terms, because the included propellant chargesdo not increase the length of the weapon, which is the case when thepropellant charges are arranged between the respective projectiles. Thediameter of the weapon is instead increased slightly compared withcorresponding firing tube weapons with intermediate loading. In anotherembodiment, an ammunition device can comprise one of a number ofsubsidiary lengths comprising a plurality of enclosing units containingthe aforementioned plurality of paired combinations of a projectile anda propellant charge/propellant load assembled into a longer firing tubeweapon, the length of which is determined by the number of subsidiarylengths of enclosing units. In conjunction with the firing of a leadingprojectile, this can initiate the advance of the subsequent projectileand the associated propellant charge in conjunction with discharge andcan prepare the first space behind the subsequent projectile so that itspropellant charge can be initiated for the effective actuation of theforthcoming propulsion of the subsequent projectile, and so on. Thefirst projectile can leave the firing tube before activation of thesubsequent projectile is initiated. Alternatively, the subsequentprojectile can begin to be activated before the preceding projectile hasleft the firing tube. The result is that, for each projectile that isfired, its tube part, that is to say its empty enclosing unit afterfiring, remains present and is added to a first, foremost empty firingtube part intended to provide a first acceleration section for the firstprojectile. The growing acceleration section can be compensated forappropriately via custom-made charges which make up for the increasingsection length. The firing tube can be either smooth-bored or rifled.The casing for the enclosure of the respective propellant chargepreferably exhibits a dual function in that, on the one hand, itprovides guidance for the projectile in the enclosing unit and, on theother hand, it contains the propellant charge (gunpowder) for thepropulsion of the projectile. The casing can easily be arranged inconjunction with an electronic initiation arrangement, by means of whichthe serial initiation of the propellant charges in the enclosing unit iseffected. The casing can be divided up into serial and/or parallellongitudinal sections. The enclosing unit can also be sectioned or canbe provided with sections of such a kind. Preferably more than twoprojectiles are arranged with associated propellant charges one afterthe other in the enclosing unit (the firing tube), for example 4-6projectiles are applied one after the other in the enclosing unit.Ammunition units constructed as mines can also be used.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A proposed embodiment of an ammunition device which exhibits thesignificant characterizing features of the invention is described belowat the same time with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view obliquely from above/from the front ofparts of an enclosing unit belonging to the ammunition device accordingto the invention with a projectile situated inside and a propellantcharge for the projectile in a casing space in a casing arranged betweenthe inner surface of the enclosing unit and the outer parts of theprojectile, and

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view obliquely from above/from the front ofthe application of three projectiles arranged one after the other withassociated propellant charges in the enclosing unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The enclosing unit is designated in FIG. 1 with 1. A projectile appliedin the enclosing unit 1 has the designation 2. The enclosing unit 1provides a guide for the projectile 2, i.e. as in the function of aconventional firing tube. The projectile 2 can comprise a front nosepart 2 a and a rear part 2 b. For example, in a previously disclosedmanner, the rear part 2 b can comprise different means which must beactivated on the way to and/or on reaching the target. Thus, forexample, a fragmentation or shot arrangement can be arrangedperipherally in the rear part 2 b, which, in a previously disclosedmanner, can also comprise an explosive charge not illustrated in FIG. 1.The projectile 2, which is illustrated in FIG. 1, is similarly providedin a previously disclosed manner with an initial 3, also referred to asa booster, of a previously disclosed kind. The enclosing unit 1 cancomprise identical projectiles, or projectiles of different kinds buthaving substantially the same external form. Arranged between the innerwall la of the enclosing unit 1 and the outer wall 2 c of the projectile2 is a casing 4 extending axially inside the enclosing unit 1. Theaforementioned casing 4 is executed as an inner tube in relation to theenclosing unit 1 and is constructed from two parallel wall-forming tubeparts 4 a and 4 b, which are positioned at a distance one from the otherin order to form a casing space 4 c, also referred to above and below asthe second space, radially outside and surrounding the projectile 2.Extending inside this inner tube-shaped casing space 4 c is a propellantcharge or a propellant load 5, which can consist of gunpowder. Thepropellant charge 5 extends in a circular symmetrical manner in thelongitudinal direction of the enclosing unit 1 along significant partsof the length of the projectile 2, but leaves a third, smaller space orrecess 6 of the aforementioned space 4 c empty, see below for furtherdetails, arranged at the rear end 5 a of the propellant charge 5, thatis to say the aforementioned third smaller space or recess 6 is arrangedat the rear in the casing space 4 c or in the propellant charge 5itself, the function of which is explained in greater detail below. Theaforementioned casing 4 can extend along the whole of the significantlongitudinal direction of the enclosing unit 1 and can be supported atits ends on bearing components 7 on the front and rear parts of theenclosing unit 1. The aforementioned bearing components 7 can be annularand can exhibit fluting 7 a on its external surface. The casing 4 can beprovided at the end of the unit concerned with a casing part 4 d with afluted under surface 4 e capable of interacting with the correspondingfluting 7 a on the external surface of the bearing component 7, that isto say the outside. A corresponding bearing function can be present atthe other end (not illustrated) of the casing 4. Alternatively, thecasing 4 can be divided up in the longitudinal direction of theenclosing unit 1 into consecutive longitudinal sections A, B, C, alsoreferred to below as casing sections, see FIG. 2, which can be connectedtogether. The rear part 2 b of the projectile 2 is provided with abottom part 2 d, with the outside of which, that is to say its externalsurface 2 e, gases that are generated by the initiation of thepropellant charge 5 are capable of interacting in a previously disclosedmanner for the purpose of propelling the projectile 2. Present orprovided at the rear part 2 b, that is to say behind and outside thebottom part 2 d, is a first space 8, into which the aforementionedgenerated propellant gases gain access in conjunction with theaforementioned initiation. The aforementioned first space 8 is presentbetween the external surface 2 e of the bottom part 2 d and a frontsurface 9 a of a front propellant reflector part 9 arranged on asubsequent projectile or on an end wall, not illustrated here, in theenclosing unit 1, which last-mentioned case is applicable to therearmost projectile 2′ in the enclosing unit 1, see FIG. 2. Alsodepicted in FIG. 1 is a rear propellant reflector part 10, which frontand rear propellant reflector parts 9, 10 together partially fill thefirst space 8 in an axial direction so that only a narrow gap remainswhen the projectile 2 is introduced fully into its initial positioninside the enclosing unit 1, which is thus not the case in FIG. 1. Thefront and rear propellant reflector parts 9, 10 comprise a slit 10 a,into which slit 10 a the propellant gases penetrate at the time offiring a projectile 2 so that the propellant reflector parts 9, 10 arecaused to broaden slightly and are thus pressed firmly against theinternal surface 4 f of the casing 4. Improved friction is obtainedbetween them in this way, at the same time as a reliable gas seal isachieved so that the gas flow rearwards is stopped effectively. Thepropelling forces from the generated propellant gases will accordinglyonly influence the foremost projectile so that it is caused toaccelerate out from the enclosing unit 1. The propellant reflector parts9, 10 are so arranged in a previously disclosed manner as to detachthemselves from the projectile 2 when this has emerged from theenclosing unit 1. The aforementioned first space 8 directly behind therear part 2 b of the projectile 2 inside the casing 4 is in contact withthe small space situated outside the external wall 2 c of the projectile2 and inside the casing space 4 c of the casing 4 or the recess 6 behindthe propellant charge 5 via casing openings 4 h through the wall-formingcasing tube part 4 b, which casing openings 4 h are covered by one or aplurality of bursting discs 11 so arranged as to give way when the gasesgenerated by the propellant charge 5 exceed a predetermined pressureinside the casing space 4 c. The bursting disc 11 in the embodimentillustrated here is hoop-shaped and extends around all the casingopenings 4 h covering the whole of the internal circumference of thecasing 4. The bursting disc 11 can consist of a previously disclosedkind of a previously disclosed material. The casing space 4 c in thecasing 4 thus provides the third, small space 6 behind the rear end 5 aof the propellant charge 5, which small space 6 lying outside theprojectile 2 is connected to the first space 8 inside the rear part 2 bof the projectile 2 behind the bottom part 2 d via the casing openings 4h behind the bottom part 2 d when the bursting disc 11 gives way to thepressure. The projectile 2 is depicted in FIG. 1 in a position in whichit is expelled slightly from the enclosing unit 1. Included in thecasing 4 on the rear part of the casing space 4 c is an ignition devicein the form of an ignition ring 12, by means of which the propellantcharge 5 is capable of being ignited at its rear parts. The ignitionring 12 be of a previously disclosed kind and makes contact in thestarting position of the projectile 2 in the enclosing unit 1 with theend surface of the propellant charge 5, or is enclosed in the rear end 5a of the propellant charge 5. Note that, in FIG. 1, the propellantcharge 5 at the top edge of the illustration is cut away slightly toshow the position of the ignition ring 12 more clearly. At the bottomedge of the illustration, on the other hand, the ignition ring 12 isshown enclosed inside the rear end 5 a of the propellant charge 5. Theignition ring 12 is capable of being ignited by means of an ignitionsystem 13, which can consist of or can be included in an electronicignition system of a previously disclosed kind. In FIG. 1, thedesignation 10 denotes a separating rear propellant reflector part withan associated additional sealing device, in this case in the form of asealing ring 14. The sealing ring 14 seals against the internal surface4 f of the casing 4 in the enclosing unit 1. In order to from a longerenclosing unit 1 or to obtain shorter, and thus more easily transportedweapon parts, see FIG. 1, the enclosing unit 1 can be assembled from aplurality of longitudinal parts 1A, 1B, etc., to produce a compositeenclosing unit 1. Two longitudinal parts 1A, 1B are depicted in FIG. 1,although a greater number can be present, of course. The longitudinalparts 1A, 1B, etc., of the enclosing unit 1 are themselves detachablyattached one to the other by means of a mechanical coupling 15, in thiscase, too, preferably a bayonet or screw-in mounting, see FIG. 2. In oneembodiment, the casing 4 can be divided into a number of longitudinalcasing sections A, B, C, i.e. which extend in the longitudinal directionof the enclosing unit 1, see FIG. 2. These casing sections A, B, C areabsent or can be regarded as having been removed in the exploded viewaccording to FIG. 1. Every enclosing unit 1, or longitudinal part 1A,1B, etc., can thus comprise only a casing section A or a plurality ofcasing sections A, B, C, etc., in the casing 4, see FIG. 2. In theembodiment with the composite enclosing unit 1, every longitudinal part1A, 1B, etc., has a casing section A, B or C, etc., which is connectedto the adjacent casing section A, B or C, etc., of the next longitudinalpart 1A, 1B, etc., via a special connection part 4 g during assembly,see FIG. 1. The number of casing sections A, B, C. etc., can be two,three, four or more. Corresponding sectioning into longitudinal parts1A, 1B, etc., can be performed, as described above, on the enclosingunit 1, and FIG. 1 can be regarded in a corresponding manner asindicating that a longitudinal part of this kind is detached from thatdepicted in FIG. 1, which detached longitudinal part is thus capable ofbeing connected to the longitudinal part 1A at its depicted connectionpart 4 g by means of the aforementioned mechanical connection 15, whichmechanical connection 15 in FIG. 1 can be regarded as comprising aschematically depicted screw-in mounting, whereas the mechanicalconnection 15 shown in FIG. 2 can be regarded as comprising aschematically depicted bayonet mounting.

FIG. 2 indicates when the projectile 2 described in the foregoing texthas adopted the starting position inside the enclosing unit 1. The drivereflector parts 9, 10 and the sealing ring 14 are drawn into theenclosing unit 1 in this way. The small recess 6 is present at the rearend 5 a of the respective propellant charge 5, and the propellant gasesexpanding from the propellant charges 5 are able to penetrate down intothe first space 8, that is to say the gap between the external surface 2e of the bottom part 2 d of the rear part 2 b and the front surface 9 aof the front drive reflector part 9 on the following projectile. Thewidth of the gap 8 in this case is of an order of magnitude such thataccess by the expanding propellant gases gains access to theaforementioned external surface 2 e on the bottom part 2 d and the frontsurface 9 a on the drive reflector part 9. The enclosing unit 1 can bemade from a material of a disposable nature and having differentdimensions adapted to the type of ammunition in question. The casing 4can be made from aluminium, and the projectiles 2 can be made in apreviously disclosed manner. The enclosing unit 1 can be includedtogether with other enclosing units 16 and arranged, preferably parallelto and alongside one another in a grenade launcher comprising amulti-tube arrangement, for example similar to the so-called Stalinorgan that was used during the Second World War. A second enclosing unitof this kind that is arranged parallel to and alongside the firstenclosing unit 1 is symbolized in FIG. 2 by the designation 16. Theammunition device itself can comprise an enclosing unit that is capableof alignment with an existing firing tube, for example in a canon, thatis to say it can comprise an enclosing unit 1 that is capable of beingintroduced into an existing firing tube, although the ammunition devicecan similarly be assembled comprising only the different other partsdescribed above with the respective enclosing unit or longitudinal part(or additional, preferably parallel units for a multi-firing tubearrangement) without an additional, externally enclosing existing firingtube. Guiding of the enclosing unit 1 in relation to an existing firingtube can take place in a previously disclosed manner. In FIG. 2, afiring tube weapon is symbolized with the designation 17, and its firingtube with the designation 18.

The embodiment of an ammunition arrangement according to the inventiondescribed above is not restricted to the embodiments illustrated aboveby way of example, but can be subjected to modifications within thescope of the following patent claims and the idea of invention. Forexample, the one or more enclosing units can be arranged in a carrierthat is transported or propelled in relation to the intended target, forexample an unmanned aircraft, a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), amissile, an aircraft, a carried or released weapons capsule (pod)containing one or more weapons, etc.

1. Ammunition device having two or more projectiles (2) and individualpropellant charges (5) associated therewith, for example charges ofgunpowder, the respective projectile (2) having allocated to it apropellant charge (5) substantially surrounding the projectile (2)arranged with means (12, 13) for individual initiation, the projectiles(2) and their surrounding propellant charges (5) being arranged on afterthe other in an enclosing unit (1), and the projectiles (2) at the timeof the individual initiations of the propellant charges (5) being soarranged as to leave the enclosing unit (1) in its longitudinaldirection, characterized in that the enclosing unit (1) comprises aplurality of longitudinal parts (1A, 1B, etc.) that are so arranged asto be capable of assembly one to the other to produce a longer weapon.2. Ammunition device according to claim 1, characterized in that theenclosing unit (1) is so arranged as to be applicable to an existingweapon firing tube (18).
 3. Ammunition device according to claim 1,characterized in that the enclosing unit (1) together with otherenclosing units (16) is so arranged as to be included in a weapon (17)comprising a multi-firing tube arrangement.
 4. Ammunition deviceaccording to claim 1, characterized in that the respective projectile(2) in its position in the enclosing unit (1) has a bottom part (2 d) onthe rear part. (2 b) of the projectile (2) facing towards a first space(8), preferably executed as a gap, between the bottom part (2 d) and afront surface (9 a) belonging to or allocated to either the subsequentprojectile (2), or the enclosing unit (1), where the latter case appliesto the rearmost projectile (2′).
 5. Ammunition device according to claim4, characterized in that the first space (8) includes means (4 h, 11),on initiating the propellant charge (5) of the projectile (2), forgiving the generated propellant gases access to the first space (8) andthereby causing the projectile (2) to be driven from the enclosing unit(1).
 6. Ammunition device according to claim 4, characterized in thataccess to the first space (8) by the generated gases is so arranged asto take place via casing openings (4 h) covered by one or more burstingdiscs (11) so arranged as to give way at a predetermined gas pressurevalue.
 7. Ammunition device according to claim 4, characterized in thatthe ignition zone (12) of the propellant charge (5) is arranged in asecond space/casing space (4 c) radially outside the first space (8). 8.Ammunition device according to claim 4, characterized in that therespective propellant charge (5) is arranged in a casing (4), whichcasing (4) is ring-shaped in its cross section and is preferably fluted(4 e) on parts (4 d) of its inner surface, which casing (4) is situatedoutside the projectile (2) and is open rearwards towards the first space(8).
 9. Ammunition device according to claim 8, characterized in thatthe casing (4) is executed as an inner tube in relation to the enclosingunit (1), i.e. comprising a second space/casing space (4 c), and that athird, smaller space or recess (6) which exhibits inward-facing casingopenings (4 h) for the gases generated by the propellant charges (5) isarranged next to the first space (8).
 10. Ammunition device according toclaim 9, characterized in that the second space/casing space (4 c) isdivided in its longitudinal extent into casing sections (A, B, C) eachcomprising a casing space (4 c) for its own propellant charge (5) andmeans (12, 13) for the individual initiation of these propellant charges(5).
 11. Ammunition device according to claim 8, characterized in thatthe casing (4) provides a guide for the projectile (2) as it ispropelled from the enclosing unit (1).
 12. Ammunition device accordingto claim 4, characterized in that the front space (9 a) belonging to thesubseguent projectile (2′) constitutes the front surface (9 a) of apropellant reflector part (9) that is provided with sealing means (14)against an inner surface (4 f) inside the enclosing unit (1). 13.Ammunition device according to claim 1, characterized in that therespective projectile (2) is so arranged as to leave the enclosing unit(1) before firing of the subsequent projectile (2) takes place. 14.Ammunition device according to claim 1, characterized in that thesubsequent projectile (2) is so arranged as to be capable of beingactuated for its propulsion from the enclosing unit (1) before thepreceding projectile (2) has left the aforementioned enclosing unit (1).15. Ammunition device according to claim 2, characterized in that it isso arranged as to be capable of being fired by means of a large-borefiring tube weapon (17), for example a firing tube weapon with a bore of20-40.
 16. Ammunition device according to Claim 2, characterized in thatthe projectiles (2) and the propellant charges (5) are arranged for usein a firing tube weapon (17) without a magazine.
 17. Ammunition deviceaccording to claim 1, characterized in that the projectiles (2) are heldloosely together in the enclosing unit (1) with holding means whichpreferably comprise a bayonet mounting or a screw-in mounting. 18.Ammunition device according to claim 1, characterized in that each ofthe casings (4) enclosing the projectiles (2) comprises casing sections(A, B, C) mutually aligned parallel one with the other that are soarranged as to be capable of individual activation.
 19. Ammunitiondevice according to claim 1, characterized in that the unit (1)enclosing the projectiles (2) and the propellant charges (5) is arrangedtogether with a plurality of further enclosing units (16) arranged onealongside the other.
 20. Ammunition device according to claim 1,characterized in that the enclosing unit (1) is so arranged as to becapable of alignment with the firing tube (18) of a firing tube weapon(17).
 21. Ammunition device according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe enclosing unit (1) is arranged in a carrier that is transported oradvanced in relation to the intended target.
 22. Ammunition deviceaccording to claim 1, characterized in that each longitudinal part (IA,IB, etc.) comprises a mechanical attachment means (15), preferably abayonet mounting or a screw-in mounting in order to assure theaforementioned mountability.